Javascript Is Disabled On Your Browser

It appears that your browser does not support JavaScript, or you have it disabled. This site is best viewed with JavaScript enabled. If JavaScript is disabled in your browser, please turn it back on then reload this page.

How do you say small business? As the Minority and Small Business Marketing Manager for the Baltimore County Office of Budget and Finance Purchasing Division, I’m often struck by the huge range of small businesses that are integral to our local economy. Our small businesses include painters, counseling services, accounting/auditing services, workforce development contractors, landscaping services, carpenters, plumbers, manufacturers, retailers, pest control services, janitorial services, hauling contractors, flooring contractors, electricians, printers - just to touch on a tiny fraction.

This week is National Small Business Week, a good time to reflect on the importance of these small but mighty drivers of our nation’s economy. There’s a reason that small business is often described as the backbone of our local, state and national economy. Did you know that Baltimore County is home to 19,508 small businesses and that those small businesses (firms with between 20 and 499 employees) are responsible for the vast majority of employment?

My job is to help these smaller firms compete in a business environment that often tends to favor the larger national and multi-national entities. Since Baltimore County Government is a large purchaser of goods and services, I work to help smaller local firms be better positioned to take advantage of County procurements.

We post potential bidding opportunities online in the areas of health services, human services (training), construction trades, construction (road/highway, building), architect and engineering services, consulting and other professional services, goods, building services and more. Small businesses are encouraged to subscribe to the weekly solicitation notifications.